Packers target New Orleans Saints defensive lineman, trade $15 million to fill Kenny Clark's spot
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Green Bay, October 2, 2025
With the New Orleans Saints mired in an 0-4 slump, the Green Bay Packers (3-1) could capitalize on a potential fire sale to address their defensive tackle needs. A proposed trade would bring veteran Nathan Shepherd to Green Bay, filling the gap left by Kenny Clark’s trade to Dallas for Micah Parsons.
John Sigler of USA Today’s Saints Wire suggests swapping a 2026 sixth-round pick (projected #203) for Shepherd. “The Saints lack picks in two of the final four rounds next year,” Sigler noted. “Shepherd isn’t part of their rebuild. Trading him to a contender like the Packers benefits both sides.”
Shepherd, a 2018 third-round pick by the Jets, has been a reliable force. In 2023 with New Orleans, he started all 17 games, recording 50 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and 8 quarterback hits. In 2024, he added 37 tackles and 1.5 sacks across 16 games. This season, he has 13 tackles and 3 quarterback hits in 4 starts.
The Packers’ defensive line, featuring young talents like Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks, Colby Wooden, and rookies Nazir Stackhouse and Warren Brinson, struggled against Dallas’ run game, exacerbated by Wyatt’s knee injury. Shepherd’s experience could stabilize the unit, especially with a modest $3 million cap hit.
Green Bay’s depth chart took a hit without Clark, a longtime anchor. “Shepherd isn’t a star like Clark or Wyatt, but he’s a starting-quality tackle who can shore up the run defense,” Sigler wrote, citing recent trades for similar players like Roy Robertson-Harris.
As the 3-1 Packers aim for a Super Bowl run, acquiring Shepherd could bolster their playoff push while giving their young linemen time to develop. Will Green Bay pull the trigger on this budget-friendly deal before the trade deadline?
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